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There’s always plenty of transfer talk throughout the season. So how much of it makes sense, and how much of it is just rumour?
Chelsea are prepared to include goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Radamel Falcao as they look to beat Real Madrid and Manchester United and Manchester City to the signing of the Colombian striker, 27. Belgium international goalkeeper Courtois, 20, has spent the last two seasons on loan with Atletico.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? This is going to go on and on and on. Chelsea apparently want Falcao, Courtois is on loan at Atletico so…Does it make sense? No. I’ll keep banging this drum, no doubt to no effect but it doesn’t. They’ve got a near 20 goal striker in Lukaku on loan at West Brom who was bought to be the man a couple of years ago. Courtois is an absurdly talented young goalkeeper. Remind me why you’d give up on them both with such a move?Is the price right? Just as Gotze had a £32m release clause which Bayern have met, Falcao has one for £52m. Courtois is is worth at least £20m. As in, the very minimum, so that would mean £32m plus Courtois. It’s just a ridiculously bad deal for Chelsea.Will it happen? 8/10 – Probably. Just because it’s stupid doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Falcao is a superb player who could dominate in England but they’ve got strikers. Spend the money in defence and defensive midfield.
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Roma have joined Chelsea in the pursuit of Lyon’s Croatian centre-back Dejan Lovren. The 23-year-old could cost £8.5m and has also been targeted by AC Milan, Liverpool and Everton.
Full story: Daily Express
What’s the story? Lovren is one of the more desirable young centre backs in Europe as he combines an imposing physical presence with increasing intelligence and awareness. All of the above badly need a proper centre back.Does it make sense? Yes. He has all the tools that would make him successful in England or Italy. Lyon have always shown a willingness to sell players so could be dealt with.Is the price right? It would be pretty much on the money, certainly compared to others on the market. It might be a stretch for Everton but if they want to keep Moyes they will need to show they mean business. It’s also a fairly big sum for Roma but the others could do it.Will it happen? 1/10 – Chelsea: They will surely be aiming for a higher calibre. 7/10 – Roma: If they can get the money together. 6/10 – Milan: Defence will be a priority for them. 3/10 – Liverpool: They do need a physical defender but I’m not convinced Rodgers will covet him. 6/10 – Everton: Depends entirely on finance and who is manager.
Ajax’s Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld, 24, who is a reported target for Liverpool, insists he has not made a decision on his future despite previously hinting he wants to move to Anfield.
Full story: Sky SportsWhat’s the story? Alderweireld is one of the last of the Belgian brigade who haven’t made it England but after the success Jan Vertonghen has had this season he’s surely next. Liverpool will love his combination of footballing talent and robust physical play.Does it make sense? Yes. This would be an excellent signing for Liverpool.Is the price right? Vermaelen was £10.5m, Vertonghen was £10.5m so, have a guess…Will it happen? 8/10 – If they are unopposed it would be 10 but there will be other teams, Chelsea and maybe even Spurs perhaps, having a look at him.
Tottenham, Manchester City and Arsenal all want Fiorentina’s Spanish midfielder Borja Valero, 28, who had an unsuccessful season at West Brom in 2008-09 and eventually left the Hawthorns permanently two years later after loan spells with Mallorca and Villarreal.
Full story: talkSPORT
What’s the story? He’s pretty good on Football Manager 13.Does it make sense? No. He’s a good player but no better than what these teams have already.Is the price right? Maybe £5-8m or so which is fair enough. He’d be better off at somewhere like Everton or Swansea.Will it happen? 0/10 – No.
Fulham and Aston Villa are both interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone, 26.
Full story: Metro
What’s the story? Huddlestone always looks good in 20 minute bursts but has struggled to take hold of games as a starter for Spurs. However, he would be an excellent fit for Fulham, who nearly loaned him at the start of this season, and particularly Villa where he may thrive as the senior figure.Does it make sense? Yes to both.Is the price right? £3m-5m seems fair for both sides.Will it happen? 9/10 – Yes. Time for a fresh start.
